Efficient Photosensitization and High Optical Gain in a Novel Quantum-Dot-Sensitized Hybrid Photorefractive Nanocomposite at a Telecommunications Wavelength

A high‐performance hybrid polymeric photorefractive nanocomposite operating at the telecommunications wavelength of 1.34 μm is presented. The photorefractive nanocomposite is sensitized with PbS nanocrystals synthesized via a hot colloidal route. Photoconductivity experiments confirm and quantify the photocharge‐generation quantum efficiency of the nanocrystals. A pronounced two‐beam coupling effect at the operation wavelength is observed, leading to very high optical gains. Temporal evolution of the photorefractive growth process is also studied. An organic–inorganic hybrid polymeric photorefractive nanocomposite operating at the telecommunications wavelength of 1.34 μm is developed. Highly monodisperse PbS nanocrystals synthesized via a hot colloidal route are used as the photosensitizer. The composite material exhibits greatly enhanced photocharge‐generation quantum efficiency. A pronounced two‐beam coupling effect (as seen in Figure) resulted in very high optical gain.